Business Leadership Alliance Calls for Mayor Filner’s Resignation

The San Diego Business Leadership Alliance, a group made up of 44 business organizations, approved a motion calling on Mayor Bob Filner to resign.

The group said not only is it appalled by sexual harassment allegations made by several women, it is convinced the scandal is seriously damaging the city’s reputation and hurting its business climate.

“Our tourism marketing industry has been gutted, the Film Commission has been disbanded, the Chargers’ stadium talks are dead in the water, developers are being put in difficult positions or are simply not pursuing important projects. This must stop,” said Bill Geppert, BLA’s co-chairman.

The group said the motion to call for Filner’s resignation passed by more than 75 percent of those present and voting. The organization is made up of chambers of commerce from various cities, economic development corporations and trade associations representing more than 17,000 businesses.

The group also commended the courage of the women who came forward to make public their experiences of sexual harassment by the mayor.

“The behaviors displayed by the Mayor are completely unacceptable and reflect negatively on our city, on our region, and on efforts to maintain and attract jobs for San Diegans,” the BLA said.

Filner starts a voluntary, two-week therapy session Aug. 5 with an unnamed medical provider to deal with his alleged sexual harassment. He has refused to resign, stating he should be afforded legal due process to address the allegations.